Not as bad as it could have been

The estimate of the number of people still missing after the collapse of a highway bridge over the Mississippi River fell sharply today to eight, as divers prepared to resume their search of the water for more bodies.

The news on the lower estimate of the missing — which had been 20 to 30 — came as officials announced that a fifth body had been pulled from the water. More than 70 were injured when the bridge fell 60 feet during rush hour on Wednesday evening.

Rich Stanek, the sheriff of Hennepin County, said the number of those missing dropped after family members located their loved ones in hospitals and elsewhere.